In order to combat climate change, how can conventional methods improve soil carbon sequestration? Tree-based systems may increase storage capacity, and soils are important carbon sinks. Have you researched methods for retaining carbon in variable climates, such as integrating medicinal plants or agroforestry? What quantifiable effects have you noticed, such as changes in soil organic carbon levels? Are there obstacles to scaling these practices, such as long-term monitoring or land use conflicts? Contribute your findings to inform future research on climate-smart agriculture.
Bishal Dhungana
Yes, traditional practices like agroforestry can significantly boost soil carbon sinks and contribute to climate change mitigation. Agroforestry, which involves integrating trees with crops and livestock, enhances carbon sequestration in both biomass and soil. This, in turn, helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improves overall soil health and resilience.
Article The Potential of Traditional Agroforestry Practices as Natur...
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Bishal Dhungana
Soil carbon sequestration is a key component of climate-smart agriculture, as it enables the long-term storage of atmospheric CO₂, improves soil fertility, and enhances the resilience of agroecosystems to climatic stress. Conventional methods such as crop rotation, reduced tillage, application of organic fertilizers, and the use of cover crops can significantly enhance soil organic carbon (SOC) levels. However, integrating modern approaches such as agroforestry and the cultivation of medicinal plants under variable climatic conditions shows additional potential.
1. Agroforestry and integration of woody species: These systems increase overall biomass, while tree roots contribute to the accumulation of more stable forms of carbon. Shading and soil coverage also reduce erosion and mineralization losses.
2. Integration of medicinal and perennial plants: In regions with pronounced seasonal variation, medicinal plants such as lavender, calendula, or sage help maintain soil cover, improve microbial activity, and stabilize the carbon cycle.
3. Quantifiable effects: Studies indicate that agroforestry systems can increase SOC in the top 30 cm of soil by 0.3–1.2 t/ha per year, depending on vegetation type, climate, and management practices. Over the long term, this can result in a 10–20% SOC increase over 10 years, especially in degraded soils.
4. Barriers to scaling up:
- Long-term monitoring: Investment in continuous measurement and lab analyses is needed to track impacts accurately.
- Land-use conflicts: Agroforestry systems require more space and time to yield economic returns, which may create resistance among smallholder farmers.
- Lack of knowledge and support: Farmers are often not sufficiently informed about the benefits of these practices and may lack access to advisory services. Investing in soil carbon sequestration methods through a combination of conventional and innovative approaches (agroforestry, medicinal plants, regenerative agriculture) offers a sustainable strategy in the fight against climate change. Future research should focus on locally adapted models, cost-benefit analyses, and policy development to support the broader adoption of these practices.
Definitely. Please read my review of the Sadhana Forest Kenya project titled SADHANA FOREST SAMBURU KENYA: BUILDING ECOSYSTEM AND COMMUNITY RESILIENCE by Nicholas Gatheru
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